Michelle Paver scoops Guardian Children's Fiction Prize

The 2010 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize has been awarded to Michelle Paver for the final book in her bestselling Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series.

Paver collected the GBP 1,500 prize, which is the only children's book award that sees authors judged by their peers, for Ghost Hunter.

Julia Eccleshare, chair of the judges, said that some members of the panel admitted to 'hating' the fantasy genre at the start of the competition but were won over by Paver's 'brilliantly created world, her wonderfully dramatic story and her powerful storytelling'.

She added that the judges heaped praise on the convincing characters in the novel and the richness of the author's 'sharp and poetic' language.

Paver commented: 'I'm thrilled and delighted that Ghost Hunter has won this award - especially given the amazing quality of the other shortlisted books.'